I cover the business/politics of football & other global sports for The Athletic. In other words, I mainly do bad news.
š https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/matt-slater/
Matt Slater
During the national anthem, President Donald Trump was booed by the Game 3 crowd at MSG.
Video
šļøDid someone mention a World Cup podcast war? I think I mentioned it once etc etc. Anyway, hereās our latest salvo. I went over the top on the money, politics, rows, tickets & even some football with @adamcrafton.bsky.social @adamleventhal.bsky.social & @jaydmharris.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/42d143
According to Reuters, Aymen Hussein, the Iraq World Cup squadās vice-captain, was held at Chicagoās OāHare airport for almost seven hours for questioning by U.S. immigration officials when he arrived in the country for the tournament on Friday.
Details:
nyti.ms/4a5bCvJ
This is the piece about Fabrizio Romano that I've been waiting to read for years goldengoal.world/2026/06/10/f...
The Athletic
Proof that it's possible to democratically oust the president of a sports governing body. Ski leader Eliasch beaten by just one vote with a parting shot at the IOC for alleged election influence. apnews.com/article/fis-...
Striker held at Chicago's O'Hare airport before being granted permission to enter but team photographer was turned back
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino ends a 30-min preamble to his 1st press conference in 3 years with some actual news: the war with FIFPro is over. FIFA has signed an MoU with the playersā union that gives FIFPro an equal say on transfer rules & player welfare.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
Burnley havenāt won much recently but this is huge. Massive. Everton are the most obvious loser here but this is a nightmare for the Premier League, too. And if youāre looking for some pre-World Cup cheer, find a sports lawyer. They will be buzzing.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...
World ski federation leader Johan Eliasch has been ousted in a tight presidential election. It has come after a campaign led by the sportās heartland nations in Europe and North America that was backe...
š§ Iām going to be presenting @theathleticfc.bsky.social shows during the World Cup.
First one today looking at what will make the tournament a success on and off the field with @adamcrafton.bsky.social @mjslater.bsky.social & Jay Harris
Pop it in your ears ā¬ļø
pod.fo/e/42d143
š New episode of @theathleticfc.bsky.social just dropped
Panel alongside me @mjslater.bsky.social @adamcrafton.bsky.social & Jay Harris
Enjoy & drop in your comments
youtu.be/ml7GSyYZo0M
The new landmark ruling will give FIFPro a veto over key areas of the gameās governance for the first time.
Iran wore '#168' pins honouring no. of children reportedly lost in Minab attack, on Mexico arrival. They held up school bags & pictures during March friendlies.
Act of remembrance or political messaging & what now at WC?
Free read on @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
The Iranian team previously held up school bags before a friendly match in March as symbols of commemoration.
On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss.Ahead of the tournament Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and ...
